@Adsthepoet 3rd Memorial Talk

April 9, 2018 ~ mindseye767464758 ~ Leave a comment

Over the last few days I have felt beyond privileged to be in the company of some rather incredible individuals that all support helping the NHS to be as influential as possible – meeting these people face-to-face meant so much to me. I may be attending as a young person but in reality I feel that I am in a community of people that share the same values – sometimes when those around me are also so dedicated about promoting good practice I feel like I don’t need to be that ‘young person’ I can in fact be me amongst a room of friends and colleagues. After speaking to Rob Webster I realized we are all representing the ‘patient’ on some level. Yesterday was an example where I felt no negativity, it was simply pure constructive positivity about how we can move forward, together. There is still so much to do but we can manage this by utilizing a positive approach.

The very special Adam Bojelan is responsible for connecting people and his legacy still continues to spread. He is the person that truly touched my heart, when I started to care about the patients voice. Dr Emily Harrop led the 3^rd memorial talk, representing Helen & Douglas House, whilst Kath Evans chaired it and initially asked how we knew Adam? This was simple for me – he was the person that inspired and provided me with the confidence to promote patient involvement. I always heard from Kath Evans and many others just what an incredible young man he was and how his incredible poems really did reflect what we all thought – the Brit awarded Adam could convey such power with his poetic words and thoughts, and his writing continues to do so.

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Dr Emily Harrop spoke about Palliative care and how the work that both Dr Emily and Zoe Bojelan fed into the NICE guidelines. The way guidelines are presented definitely does make a difference. I am someone who quite enjoys reading the plain text however when leaving the talk, I reflected and realized that the emotive aspects were what made me engage. Hearing the simplicity of the statement from a child saying that providing some help with the pain meant he could enjoy his cuddles again towards the end of life, really tugged at a heart string. This approach is something I plan to take forwards.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of such a special and energizing day – I pledge to continue to feed Adam’s beliefs and words into the collective ‘patient voice.’ He is fully embedded in the heart of promoting patient experience in my eyes and will continue to be so.

Link to periscope of talk – https://t.co/kUgmDKMbqB

I can create my own Uni lifestyle…

March 4, 2018 ~ mindseye767464758 ~ Leave a comment

How do I balance education with health? To get an accessible room, I live with first year students – ‘freshers’ and the majority of my flat are very clear that they want to make the most out of drinking and making noise as that matters to them. When attending University, my main apprehension was that I wouldn’t ‘fit in,’ years of being self-taught and profound social anxiety made me worry I wouldn’t find people that liked me or could accept me for who I am. It is bizarre when I am representing other people, my purpose enables me to manage and function ‘normally’. But when I have to show myself as a young person with no cover, that is when I struggle. But I don’t need to struggle… blog

Not everyone at University enjoys the social life that is encouraged and promoted, and I really don’t fit into the clubbing or drinking scene. I fought so hard to get to University that I just want to perform academically – that is #whatmatterstome. Only now am I realizing that I don’t need to feel pressured to go out or to see people every night – it does mean I don’t make the contact with friends that maintains the relationships, but I don’t want to pretend to be someone else. I am the person that needs to take time to be true to myself, I need to continue to spread my wings and accomplish the tasks that are important to me.

The end of 2017 and accomplishment of pacing my activities today…

December 31, 2017December 31, 2017 ~ mindseye767464758 ~ 1 Comment

So it is nearing the end of 2017. Usually to me the transition between years makes no difference to me. This time, it is different. So much has happened for me in 2017 that is good and bad but either way has allowed me to gain understanding, confidence and enabled me to actively promote my wellbeing – 2017 has transformed my life. Everything that has happened has played its part for a reason, and I finally think I understand and feel capable to self care and self manage my health and wellbeing.

Tonight, as the last day of the year, my family are out bowling and celebrating the New Year. Mother and I have been busy all day and together we supported my step-nan through the final hours of her end of life care in the nursing home. I came home and realized just how physically and emotionally exhausted I was… I wanted to rest but struggled to admit it. I What was significant was that I was able to reflect on the year and say ‘actually, I can’t join you tonight – I need some rest.’ That statement is horrible to say as I always want to join in however I am so proud that I stuck with it. Today’s achievement means a lot, I am leaving 2017 knowing that I am capable of recognizing my limits and altering my activities. My whole life operates through pacing but it can be tough as often my mind wants to do more and I have to accept I can’t do everything and I must prioritise.

It’s the first time I have felt that I care enough about my body to value it and respect it, it means I can go into 2018 on a blank slate and not in recovery mode. I know I am not superwoman but that is ok – I would rather reduce my activities so that I have time to focus on the aspects that matter to me.